Shirley Jean Klein Richter

Shirley Jean Klein Richter passed away at the Washington State Odd Fellows home in Walla Walla, November 14, 2025. Shirley was born August 22, 1932, in Auburn, WA, to Sam O. and Ingeborg Stensrue Skagen. The family lived in Spokane, WA, before settling in Ballard, WA. Shirley attended schools in Ballard, graduating from Ballard High School in 1950. She was proud to have been elected class speaker for her commencement.

After graduating from high school, Shirley attended Pacific Lutheran University for 2 years, where she met Douglas G. Klein. They were married on August 15, 1953. After Doug’s college graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During this time, they lived at bases in Quantico, VA, and Santa Ana, CA. After Doug’s service, they settled in Seattle and then, in Auburn, WA. While Doug was working selling insurance and at the Boeing Co., Shirley was busy managing their home and the five children they had in 10 years.

In the summer of 1970, the family moved to Walla Walla, WA, where Doug was hired by Sherwood and Roberts Insurance and Real Estate Co. Shirley quickly made their new house into a home enjoyed by all. It was always busy with kids and friends, running up and down the stairs, playing board games on the front porch during summer afternoons, and grabbing cookies out of a cookie jar that was always full to share with friends and our little dog, “Tootsie”. She calmly kept things organized amid the chaos. When asked how she did it, she said, “You just get into a routine.

Doug sadly and unexpectedly passed away on July 10, 1981. After her youngest child graduated from high school in 1983, Shirley decided to finish her college education. She graduated from Walla Walla Community College in 1986 with a Registered Nursing degree. She began working at the Odd Fellows Home as a registered nurse and as a skilled nursing supervisor. She retired after 15 years.

Shirley sold the home on Cypress Street and purchased a condominium at “The Trees”. She made many friendships there. Her grandchildren have fun memories of coming over to swim in the pool and drinking root beer floats afterwards. Several years later, Shirley met a new neighbor, Alvin Richter. The two became best friends and married on June 19, 2005. They had many adventures and happy times together with family and friends, and were a very devoted couple. They eventually moved to Park Plaza Retirement Center and later to the Odd Fellows Home. Alvin passed away on May 11, 2021.

During Shirley’s lifetime, she was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She kept up with all the activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Bible Study Fellowship, Delphian’s Book Club, and PEO Chapter CI. She lived all her life with patience, kindness, and love. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Hedberg of Tacoma, WA and her five children, Susan Lemm (Mike) of Walla Walla, Douglas Klein Jr. of Walla Walla, Brian Klein (Celia) of Richland, WA, Laura Klein of Santa Barbara, CA, and Keith Klein of Ferndale, WA, as well as seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ron Skagen Sr.

We thank all the staff at Odd Fellows for their years of care for our mother.

A memorial/celebration of life will be held in June 2026.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Walla Walla Community Hospice, or a charity of your choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.